Dan Pompei

Dan, even with the additions of two starting linebackers, the team has zero depth at the position. Unless they plan to draft three linebackers, it's still the biggest need position on the roster. Is there any chance, maybe after the draft, that Brian Urlacher discovers that the Bears were offering his current market value, and comes back home? Do you think Emery would re-structure someone's deal and sign him at that point? -- Mark Early, Arlington, Va.

You'd never say never on something like this until Urlacher's signature is on another team's contract. I would not completely rule it out because I have no doubt the Bears legitimately wanted Urlacher on the team,...

Related "Dan Pompei" Articles

Dan, even with the additions of two starting linebackers, the team has zero depth at the position. Unless they plan to draft three linebackers, it's still the biggest need position on the roster. Is there any chance, maybe after the draft, that Brian...

Dan, do you see Marc Trestman replacing Johnny Knox with another speedy receiver in the draft? I really believe that he was a major missing piece of their offense since his catastrophic injury. I just don't think Trestman will find another one in free...

What do you think about Chip Kelly as the next head coach for the Bears? Would his offense work in the NFL? I hope you'll agree with me on this -- whoever the next head coach is, it absolutely must be an offensive coach. -- Alex Dovzhenko, Beardstown
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if Lovie Smith gets fired, how long after the purge will it take the Bears to have a winning season? -- @joshohmart, from TwitterNo matter what happens the rest of the way this season, I would say the chances of the Bears being worse next season would...

What will teams do now to exploit the loss of Brian Urlacher? Physically not a huge threat but ability to change formations a key loss. -- @Tquille, from Twitter
I've heard a lot of talk this season about how Urlacher can't move anymore. Understand...

Can the Bears defense stop San Fran if they play each other in the playoffs? -- @JohnMcLallen, from Twitter I would be surprised if the Bears defense does not perform significantly better against the 49ers if the teams meet again. There were a number...

Do you feel the Chicago Bears should replace the entire coaching staff after Monday night’s terrible performance? — Jonathan Dyer, San Francisco Lot of questions this week along those lines. I will say this. If Lovie Smith were fighting for his job,...

What is your opinion of Kellen Davis? It seems to me that he's a very inconsistent blocker and a poor receiver, yet he continues to be sent out there. With the passing game struggling so much, do you think there's any chance we'll see less of Davis and...

Jay Cutler's contract needs to be taken care of soon, and rumors of Brian Urlacher's demise seem to have been exaggerated. How much cap space do the Bears have left for this year, and do you think one or more of these guys might be signed before the end...

Who is your choice for the biggest surprise of the season so far? Would I be in the running if I said Tim Jennings? -- Chuck Durante, Guiling, China
There are a number of candidates. Tim Jennings is a good one, seeing he was benched at the end of last...

How do you think this year's defensive unit compares with the '85 Bears? -- Mike Litwin, Chicago
Let's not get carried away here. This is a good defense. It can't touch the '85 Bears though, which many regard as the greatest defense in modern NFL...

Dan, what do you think Jay Cutler will do when his contract is up? I think he plays out his contract and then leaves in free agency. If they use the franchise tag on him I wouldn't be surprised if he sits out a year rather than play behind this...

I know Brian Urlacher thinks he can play another two years, and given he's the oldest player on defense, do you think the Bears will look to draft a guy to replace him as early as next spring? If so, who would be the best option? Replacing a guy like...

Is the expansion of the Bears' scouting department a natural progression for a general manager who wants to develop a draft-driven team? You reported the team now has 18 in the department -- how does that stack up with other NFC North teams? Vic...

Ninth in a series exploring the April 26-28 NFL draft. Next: Safeties.
This is not a bad crop of defensive tackles. There are several players who should have productive careers at every level of the draft, including in the first round. As many as six...

Why all the focus on getting another defensive end? I thought one of the biggest keys to Lovie Smith's defense was a stud three-technique tackle -- someone like Tommie Harris before his decline. Are the Bears satisfied with what they have in that regard?...

Sixth in a series exploring the April 26-28 NFL draft. Next: Receivers.
Many teams would love to find a big tight end who can run, catch and block like Rob Gronkowski, but they won't find one in this draft. The talent is limited, though the draft does...

Third in a series exploring the April 26-28 NFL draft. Next: Offensive tackles.
This is a weak group of centers, and it would be really weak if not for the Big Ten, which might have the top three taken. It is possible as few as seven will be drafted,...

Second in a series exploring the April 26-28 NFL draft. Next: Tight ends.
There is not an abundance of elite running back talent in the draft, but there is some decent depth. That plays into the trend of teams finding backs later in the draft. Look for...